Antoine Griezmann set for stunning transfer return to Atletico Madrid – and cash-strapped Barcelona line up Luuk De Jong

BARCELONA are interested in signing former Newcastle United star Luuk de Jong from Sevilla, according to reports.

The Dutch forward is expected to replace Antoine Griezmann, who is in ‘advanced talks’ ahead of a loan return to Atletico Madrid.

Getty Images - Getty

Luuk de Jong failed to score for Newcastle during his six-month spell[/caption]

Reuters

Antoine Griezmann is on the verge of returning to Atletico Madrid[/caption]

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, talks are progressing between Barca and Sevilla over a deal for De Jong, 31.

And the journalist also claims Griezmann, 30, is close to joining Atletico on loan for the season, with a option to buy for €40million – around £34.4m.

Earlier reports suggested Atletico talent Joao Felix, 21, would head in the opposite direction – but it’s now believed those rumours are false.

If the transfers are finalised, Barca will have TWO North East flops playing for them in De Jong and ex-Middlesbrough ace Martin Braithwaite, 30.

De Jong failed to score in any of his 12 Premier League appearances for Newcastle during a six-month loan spell in 2014.

Braithwaite, meanwhile, managed just eight goals in 36 Championship games for Middlesbrough between 2017 and 2019.

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Barca’s attacking prospects are looking increasingly bleak after losing club legend Lionel Messi to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.

De Jong would be a risky signing as he’s struggled outside of Holland, scoring just 10 goals in 69 LaLiga games for Sevilla since July 2019.

He also flopped during a tricky spell at Borussia Monchengladbach between 2012 and 2014, managing only six goals in 36 Bundesliga outings.

A Barca exit for Griezmann would end a disastrous two-year stint at the Nou Camp, failing to deliver after a £108million move from Atletico.

The World Cup winner has scored just 22 goals in 74 LaLiga appearances for the club, which works out at just under £5m per goal.

The good news for Barca is Sergio Aguero is now eligible to play after Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets both agreed to take a pay cut.

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